Theatre

Top Five

Who we’re planning to see at the 2019 Comedy Festival

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is upon us once again and we're here to help you plan your month with our top five must-sees.

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Our favourite time of year has rolled around once again, that’s right, it’s Comedy Fest time Melburnians.

In case you’re stumped every time someone asks you who you’re planning to see this festival season, we’ve listed the acts we’re most excited for here. Call it a little cheat sheet to keep you in the know, don’t worry – you don’t have to give us credit.

Of course, you’ve got a whole month so there is really no excuse to only head to one show.

Daniel Sloss

Daniel Sloss has come out with two Netflix specials recently and is quickly becoming a household name in comedy appearing on Conan a record eight times and opening for Dave Chapelle in San Francisco. He’s been at it for a while though with this year’s show X marking his tenth solo show and he’s only 28. He’s been giving us a little more than just a laugh though, with his Netflix specials almost falling under the new genre of ‘post-comedy’ (think Hannah Gadsby’s Nannette) dealing with serious content and making a case for finding the funny in the Dark times. We can’t wait to see what he brings to the Festival this year with X.

Daniel Sloss - 2017 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala

Tom Gleeson

An Australian comedy mainstay, Tom Gleeson is always a Joy. If you’re looking for a sure-fire night of laughs, Tom Gleeson is always a safe bet. We’re not the only ones who think this either, Aussie comedians list him in their top five of all time, and so fare he’s been nominated for three Helpmann awards.

Tom Gleeson - Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala 2018

Natalie Harris

A confessional that is an ode to her ten years in the hospitality industry, Melbourne based Natalie Harris tells all in Babycino. For anyone who has ever worked as a waitress, this one’s for you. Let Natalie Harris share all she’s ever thought while taking orders and frothing milk.

Natalie Harris - Recorded by ThirtyOne Digital Feb 2017

Nina Oyama

Nina Oyama is debuting her stand-up Nina Oyama Needs a Lift at this year’s comedy festival. An autobiographical tale of moving to the countryside at 20 and all that transpired after; losing her licence four times, becoming a black market cab-driver, delivering drugs across state lines and falling in love.

Nina Oyama | Tonightly With Tom Ballard

Alice Snedden

Kiwi-born Alice Sneddon is known for Funny Girls, Stake Out and Jono and Ben and her podcast with fellow comedian Rose Matafeo aptly entitled Boners of the Heart. After performing her latest show at the Edinburgh Fringe and the New Zealand International Comedy Festival Sneddon is bringing Absolute Monster to Melbourne. She’ll take you into her existential crisis as she tries to answer the question “who am I?”

2018 Billy T Jams - Alice Snedden

Once the festival starts shows start to sell out pretty quickly so make sure you get in quickly with all your favourites. If we haven’t sold you on our faves, or you’ve already got your tickets and need more take your pick from all the events we’re selling at: Ticketmaster.com.au/ComedyFestival